Questions ?
Our FAQ
Below we answer the most frequently asked questions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Services and Patient Care
How does orthodontic treatment work?
1. planning – classification
Since January 1, 2002, those insured by statutory health insurance funds have been required to be classified into “orthodontic indication groups” (KIG). Health insurance companies provide subsidies for severity levels 3, 4 and 5.
2. diagnostic methods
Profile and en face photographs, photographs of the teeth, impressions of the upper and lower jaw and production of plaster models for metric analysis, overview x-rays and lateral cephalometric x-rays. In our practice, all x-rays are taken using the latest digital technology with minimal radiation exposure. We will advise you in as much detail as possible about treatment options, cost coverage by health insurance companies, the start and duration of treatment, the necessary cooperation and oral hygiene as well as any other questions you may have.
3. treatment
The result of the intensive and comprehensive diagnosis is the individual treatment plan. This determines the individual treatment steps and treatment methods.
At what age should my child be seen by an orthodontist?
A visit to an orthodontist can be useful from the age of 4. However, most orthodontic treatments are started a little later. For treatment to be successful, it is very important to start treatment at the optimum time.
Can orthodontic treatment also be carried out on adults?
With modern techniques and materials, there is no longer an age limit. Treatment with splints (Invisalign) or lingual brackets (brackets bonded to the side of the tongue) also means that the visual impairment is much less than it used to be.
Does orthodontic treatment always have to be carried out with fixed braces (brackets)?
Always? No!
Whether removable or fixed braces are the best therapy for you or your child will be determined after an individual examination and evaluation of the diagnostic documentation. In a separate appointment, I will explain to you in detail the necessary therapeutic measures and the advantages and disadvantages of an alternative therapy.
What happens after the treatment?
Successfully completed orthodontic treatment often means a new, more positive phase in a patient’s life. However, the treatment results achieved are not always permanent.
In orthodontics, a distinction is made between the treatment phase and the retention phase (stabilization period). After treatment, it is particularly important that the treatment result is maintained during the retention phase and that the teeth do not move back into their original position. Particularly after the removal of fixed appliances, it is therefore necessary to temporarily stabilize this condition with retention plates or removable braces and thus maintain it permanently.
How does the first appointment go at our place?
At your first appointment, we’ll get an overview of your current dental and jaw condition and discuss your goals. Following a detailed consultation, we’ll conduct a clinical examination to determine whether orthodontic treatment is necessary and, if so, which options are appropriate. If treatment is recommended, we’ll discuss the next steps, possible treatment options, and answer any initial questions you may have about duration and costs.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring your health insurance card, any X-rays or test results you have, and a current list of medications. For children, it’s also helpful to bring any bonus booklet, referrals from the dentist, and—if available—records of previous treatments. This allows us to get a complete picture of your child’s dental health and avoid duplicate exams.
How can I make an appointment—by phone or online?
You can book your appointment by phone, email, or conveniently online through our partner platform, Doctolib. On the website, under “Book an Appointment,” you’ll find a direct link to the online scheduling system. This allows you to choose a convenient appointment time at your leisure, even outside of office hours.
What does it mean for your practice to be a “by-appointment-only practice”?
As part of our appointment policy, we schedule a specific time slot for each patient so that we can provide consultation and treatment without rushing. However, delays can occur during the course of the day—for example, due to unexpected questions, emergencies, or anxious children. We appreciate your understanding and strive to make waiting times as pleasant as possible, for example by providing beverages in the waiting area.
What should I do if I can't make an appointment?
If you are unable to keep an appointment, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can make the time available to another patient. Last-minute cancellations are often easiest to handle by phone, but you can also contact us by email. Especially for longer treatment appointments, canceling early helps keep the scheduling stable for everyone involved.
Does statutory health insurance cover the cost of orthodontic treatment?
Statutory health insurance plans cover the costs if there is a medical necessity and treatment generally begins before the age of 18. This is based on the classification of dental or jaw misalignment into what are known as orthodontic indication groups (KIG). The regulations are quite complex in detail—we will explain to you during a personal consultation whether and to what extent coverage is possible in your case.
How are treatment costs billed, and is payment in installments available?
Our practice bills through a dental billing company (ZAB). Before treatment begins, you will receive a transparent cost estimate listing all services. Payment terms and installment plans can be arranged on an individual basis, ensuring that costs remain fair and easy to plan for.
How often are follow-up appointments scheduled during treatment?
The frequency of checkups depends on the type of treatment. For fixed braces, appointments are usually scheduled every 4–8 weeks to adjust the wires and monitor progress. For removable braces and aligners, the intervals may vary slightly. In the treatment plan, we’ll discuss with you how often you or your child should come to the office.
What should I do in an emergency—for example, if a bracket comes off or a wire is poking me?
If you have an urgent problem—such as a loose bracket, a poking wire, or severe pain—please call the office. We can often provide initial advice over the phone—such as using protective wax—and schedule an emergency appointment at short notice. Do not attempt to bend or remove wires or brackets yourself, to avoid causing further damage.
Do you treat only children and adolescents, or do you also treat adults?
Our practice treats children, teenagers, and adults. For children, we focus on early childhood and adolescent treatments; for adults, we offer a wide range of discreet options, such as tooth-colored braces or Invisalign. This allows us to provide orthodontic treatment tailored to each patient’s lifestyle at any age.
On average, how long do I have to wait to start treatment?
The wait time until treatment begins depends on our current workload and the scope of the planned treatment. We are usually able to offer initial consultation appointments promptly; the actual treatment then begins once the diagnostic phase is complete and coverage has been confirmed. Since KFO Bayern has multiple locations, scheduling is often flexible—we’ll work with you to find a suitable start date.
Are there any special services available for patients (e.g., media coverage, information)?
On our website, in addition to descriptions of our services, you’ll also find links to media coverage of our practice. These articles provide additional insights into our approach, our treatment philosophy, and current trends in orthodontics. Furthermore, during personal consultations, we’ll explain all the important steps of your treatment in detail and in easy-to-understand language.
Are there any costs for the first consultation?
Regardless of whether you have statutory or private insurance, the first consultation is covered by your health insurance. This means that every patient – whether young or old – can receive sound orthodontic advice without having to take any financial risk. Only if you want the diagnostic documentation to be started immediately after the detailed examination will costs be incurred, which may or may not be covered by your health insurance, depending on your insurance contract.
We balance your bite - for a smile that inspires.
Why should we let nature dictate what our smile looks like? Why should we allow misaligned teeth to affect our well-being and health in the long term? Misaligned teeth can not only be aesthetically unpleasant, they also wear out more quickly and can even have a negative impact on digestion.
We think so: It doesn’t have to be that way.
Straight teeth ensure balance in the jaw and a harmonious interplay of forces. If the function is right, the smile follows all by itself – naturally and relaxed.
This is what we strive for every day – with experience, precision and passion.
PERSONAL. Our focus is on people, not just teeth. We know all our patients personally and treat them as equals.
EXCELLENT. We align ourselves with the best in the industry – worldwide. We always keep our expertise at the cutting edge of technology and science.
PASSIONATE. We love what we do. Every case is an exciting challenge for us, and our patients motivate us anew every day.
SUCCESSFUL. Thanks to state-of-the-art methods and an individual approach, we achieve results that are not only functionally convincing, but also aesthetically pleasing. Recognition from the highest professional circles encourages us on our path.
PRESS
Press Release No. 2 / 2026 / January 2026
Orthodontics in the Heart of Munich: Dr. Epple’s Practice at Sendlinger Tor Combines Experience and Innovation Munich, January 2026 – With his orthodontic practice at Sendlinger Tor, Dr. Matthias Epple, D.D.S., operates another central location for modern orthodontic treatment in Munich. The practice is known for high-quality orthodontics, digital processes,
